Aroma

Cats' keen sense of smell is partly attributed to their huge olfactory mucosa surface, measuring
approximately 5.8 cm2 (0.90 in2), which is roughly twice the area of a human's. They also have
a well-developed olfactory bulb.[77] A Jacobson's organ found in the lips of cats and many other
animals is utilized in the behavioral process of flehmening. They are able to detect particular
scents in a manner that is not possible for humans. Sensitive to pheromones like 3-mercapto-3-
methylbutan-1-ol, cats mark objects with scent glands and spray urine as a means of
communication [78].[79] Since they can detect nepetalactone at less than one part per billion,
many cats also react strongly to plants that contain it, particularly catnip.[80] About 70–80% of
cats have nepetalactone exposure.[81] Other plants, like the herb valerian and the silver vine
(Actinidia polygama), also elicit this response. It's possible that the scent of these plants
stimulates cats' social or sexual behaviors by imitating a pheromone.[82]

Taste Compared to humans, cats have comparatively fewer taste buds (470–500 versus over
9,000 on the human tongue).[83] Cats, both domestic and wild, lack the ability to sense
sweetness due to a mutation in their taste receptor gene that prevents their sweet taste buds from
connecting to sugary molecules.On the other hand, they have taste buds with receptors specific to
bitter flavors, proteins, and amino acids.[85] They have the umami-detecting receptors on their
taste buds. Molecular alterations in these receptors, however, cause the umami taste of cats to
differ from that of humans. Whereas they identify the amino acids aspartic acid and glutamic
acid in humans, they identify nucleotides—in this case, l-histidine and inosine monophosphate—
in cats.[86] Tuna has a particularly high concentration of these nucleotides.[86] It has been
suggested that the reason cats find tuna so appetizing is because of "the specific combination of
the high IMP and free l-Histidine contents of tuna," which "produces a strong umami taste
synergy that is highly preferred by cats," according to researchers studying cat taste.[86] As one
of the study's researchers put it, "I believe umami is as important for cats as sweet is for
humans."[87]

Additionally, cats have a specific temperature preference for food; some reject cold food,
indicating to them that the "prey" item is likely long dead and potentially toxic or decomposing.
Instead, they prefer food that is around 38 °C (100 °F), which is similar to the temperature of a
fresh kill.[83]

grooming
A cat's tongue's hooked papillae function as a hairbrush to assist brush and untangle fur.
To keep their coats clean, cats are known to lick them for extended periods of time.[113][114]
The papillae, or backward-facing spines, on a cat's tongue are approximately 500 μm long. The
papillae function like a hairbrush because of the keratin that gives them their rigidity [115].
Hairballs of fur that have accumulated in their stomachs from grooming are occasionally
regurgitated by some cats, especially those with long hair. These furry clusters are typically 2-3
cm (0.79-1.18 in) long and sausage-shaped. Hairballs can be avoided by using medications that
facilitate hair passage through the digestive system and by regularly brushing or combing the
coat.[113]

Combating

Aggression is indicated by a domestic cat's raised hair, open-mouthed hiss, and arched back.
Male domestic cats are more likely than female cats to fight.[116] Competition between two
males for a female partner is the most frequent cause of cat fights among wild cats. In these
situations, the heavier male typically prevails in battles.[117] The challenge of marking territory
in a tiny house is another frequent cause of conflict amongst domestic cats.[116] In addition,
female cats battle to protect their kittens or to claim territory. In many cases, neutering will
reduce or eliminate this tendency, indicating a possible connection between the habit and sex
hormones.[118]

Cats that are aggressive often try to project an image of largerness and threat by hissing or
spitting, lifting their fur, arching their backs, and turning sideways.[119] In order to protect the
inner ear and maybe listen for any changes behind them while focused forward, the ears are
frequently pointed down and back. In an attempt to scare their opponents even more, cats have
also been known to scream and flash their teeth. In most fights, the combatants grapple, use their
forepaws to deliver forceful slaps to the face and torso, and occasionally bite. In a defensive
stance, cats will also drop to the ground and use their strong hind legs to rake their opponent's
belly.[120]

Because battles are usually short and the loser walks away with little more than a few scratches
to their face and ears, serious harm is uncommon. Mating rights fights are usually more violent,
with serious puncture wounds and lacerations among the possible injuries. Serious wounds from
fighting usually consist of infections from scratches and bites, though these can occasionally be
fatal if left untreated in cats. Furthermore, cat bites are most likely the primary method by which
the feline immunodeficiency virus is spread.[121] Males who engage in sexual activity are
typically involved in several fights throughout their life, and they frequently have faces that are
noticeably beaten with cuts and scars on their ears and nose.[122] In order to protect their area,
cats will even confront larger creatures like foxes and dogs.[123]

Stalking and consuming

Also see: Cat chow

A domestic cat and its deermouse victim

Cats can't suction drink liquids because of the structure and form of their cheeks. As a result,
they lap the liquid into their mouths with their tongues when they drink. The cat laps the water
four times per second, bringing its silky tongue tip in contact with the surface and then swiftly
retracting it like a corkscrew to suck water upward.[124][125]